Florida Senate, District 9

In the redistricting process earlier this year, Florida Senate District 9 was consolidated within Duval County and covers parts Arlington, downtown, Northwest Jacksonville and part of the Westside.

Incumbent Audrey Gibson, who was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, will compete with Republican Cherron Newby in the November General Election. Write-in candidate Patricia Williamson also qualified in the race.

Scroll down to read about the candidates, in alphabetical order.

Audrey Gibson

PARTY: Democratic

AGE: 56

FAMILY: Three adult children

OCCUPATION: Florida senator, paralegal

EDUCATION: BS in criminology, Florida State University

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Florida House of Representatives for 8 years; current state senator

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

Economic Development/High wage employment

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?

"I have broad experience on implementing policy and proven leadership to effectively work across party lines for the benefit of my constituents. I'm the only candidate in the race who has the experience and community involvement to understand and know what the community needs."

WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

"Impactful long range policy that improved or complements the quality of life of all Floridians."

Cherron Newby

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Worked on various campaigns, walking, making calls, leading coalitions

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

Jobs

Housing

Education

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?

"I can help voters by bring to their communities the things needed most. Job skills, Job opportunities, better relationships with school systems, being available to them so they can talk to me about their concerns"

WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

"Making changes in the district, throughout communities that are 'permanent fixes' that will exist and work for a very long time."